5 different types of secondary schools

Unlike many other countries with only one type of secondary school, Germany has 5 different type of secondary schools differently in terms of characteristics, students' quality and number of studying years.

Gymnasium

Gymnasium (specialized school) is open for advanced students. Students will study from 5th to 12th grade or 13th grade differing from state to state. Gymnasium focuses on subjects such as Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, which is suitable for students who intend to study intensively. Upon graduating from Gymnasium, students will receive the Baccalaureate (Abitur) - a ticket to enter university.

Realschule

Realschule is suitable for intermediate pupils. The school ranges from grades 5 to 10. Realschule has more than 40% of German students attending, which is more popular than Gymnasium. In this system, students are equipped with knowledge of Mathematics, Literature, English as well as soft skills such as information technology and presentation. The Realschule degree is called Realschulabschluss. With this degree, students can apply for vocational training (Ausbidung). During their studies, if students gain outstanding achievements, they can transfer to Gymnasium to enter university.

Hauptschule

Hauptschule prepares for average or weak students. It takes 4 years to complete this type of school, ranging from grades 5 to 9. In Hauptschule, students also learn subjects as those in Gymnasium and Realschule but at a slower pace and less knowledge. After graduation from Hauptschule, pupils often choose vocational training (Lehren). Students will be part-time vocational trainees, they go to school in the morning, then intern in factories and workshops in the afternoon until the age of 18. During their education, if pupils feel that the program is below their capabilities, they can transfer to Realschule or Gymnasium.

Mittelschule

This is a combination between Hauptschule and Realschule education, which is not so popular in Germany.

Gesamtschule

Gesamtschule combines the characteristics of Gymnasium, Hauptschule and Realschule. In fact, the Gesamtschule is similar to the American high school. Students will study for 8-9 years here.

Stratified school system

The concept of educational stratification is a characteristic of German education. Basically, secondary schools in Germany are divided into three types: Gymnasium, Realschule and Hauptschule. From the age of 10, students have to choose one of these three types of schools, which will affect their decision of college and their future career. Since 10-year-olds are not yet able to make rational decisions, parents and teachers will help them.

Accordingly, Gymnasium is the only option to enter university. Realschule directs students to careers such as salespeople, nurses and secretaries. Meanwhile, Hauptschule helps pupils progress into the commercial and industrial fields.

Homeschooling is illegal

Germans consider education as an important part of the society. So, according to the law of this country, pupils from 6 to 15 years old must go to school. A school day in Germany occurs from 4 to 5 hours (starting at 7:30 am and finishing at 1:30 pm). Therefore, parents can teach their children at home for the rest of the time if they want.

Parent teaching after school time

Special schools

While schools worldwide are moving towards a type of inclusive education, Germany still stands firm on a type of special schools for children with special needs.

In Germany, Förderschulen and Sonderschulen are two types of schools for children with special needs. This policy is making it difficult for children with special needs in Germany to integrate into society when they grow up.

Applying the schedule of college to that of secondary school

The schedule of secondary students in Germany is similar to that of college students, which is general subjects in the morning and extracurricular activities in the afternoon.

German students start studying at 7:30 a.m. and finish at 1:30 p.m. The morning schedule at a German school includes general subjects such as Math, History, Calculus...Each subject lasts about 45 or 90 minutes for 2 period subjects. Between periods, students have a 5-minute.

According to the regulations, classes will end before lunch and there is no cafeteria at the school. In the afternoon, German students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as seminars, athletics, clubs…

Goethe Gymnasium in Bischofswerda, Germany

No school bus, no substitute teacher

While school buses have become a common means of transportation in many countries, they are rare in Germany. Parents want their children to be independent from a young age, so they often use public transport or walk to school. The school buses only help students move from rural areas to school in the city.

In addition, if the teacher is absent, the school will not assign a substitute teacher but allow the class to be absent.

Using a 6 – score scale

The score scale in Germany is similar to that in the US but they use numbers instead of letters. It is important for students to achieve qualified scores, if they can’t get qualified scores in two or more subjects in a year, they will be suspended. The score scale in Germany is calculated as follows:

1-1.5: Very Good (Sehr Gut)

1.51-2.5: Good (Gut)

2.51-3.5: Satisfied (Befriedigend)

3.51-4.0: Qualified (Ausreichend)

4.01-6.0: Unqualified (Nicht Ausreichend)

In particular, Gymnasium schools use a 0 – 15 - score scale, of which 15 is the highest score.

Free college tuition

In Germany, education is considered as one of the important factors for national development. Therefore, university students will not have to pay tuition fees, but only pay for textbooks, housing or living if studying away from home. International students also have the opportunity to study at university for free or at a very low cost in Germany.

 According to the German Academic Exchange Service, without tuition fees, international students studying in this country usually spend about 800 USD per month, including: 334 USD for house rent, 205 USD for food, $52 for clothes, $115 for transportation, $38 for phone and Internet, $25 for study materials and $75 for entertainment.

Complementary Education Program for International Students

Germany is currently one of the countries having the most international students in the world. Students from these countries must pass a German language exam to enter the appropriate schools. In addition, non-German children will be provided with a program teaching their native language or home culture.

The most attractive option for international students

According to research conducted by Study.EU in 2018, Germany is the most attractive country for foreign pupils. The ranking is based on three criteria: educational quality, tuition fees and living conditions. Gerrit Blöss, CEO of Study.EU, claimed that Germany is now offering more and more English programs and can compete in terms of educational quality with the Netherlands and the UK. In particular, the free university tuition is a special advantage of this country.

International students doesn’t have to pay tuition fees in Germany

In fact, Germany is a member of the European Union so many national students choose to study in other EU countries instead of in their hometown. Therefore, Germany must do its best to attract more international pupils.

Tags: German education, education, German school, German school, university, international students, pupils, Germany